Subject: [Tweeters] Kitsap County Rusty Blackbird - Day 2
Date: Nov 11 18:04:20 2009
From: Brad Waggoner - wagtail at sounddsl.com


Hi all,

Yesterday via tweeters-alerts I reported a male Rusty Blackbird near
Kingston - a Kitsap County first to my knowledge. George Gerdts and I
re-located it this afternoon in the same general area. Even though there
is a roving mixed flock of blackbirds and starlings in the area, on both
days the Rusty Blackbird was foraging alone in the wet fields and not
with this flock. It almost seems best to look for Killdeer and see if it
might be near them.

The location is about 2 miles west of downtown Kingston via West
Kingston Road. The best viewing spot is about a 1/3 mile down Layman
Lane just past an old blue farm house that is for sale. It could be a
really great birding spot for those looking for an old run down farm
house in the country. This afternoon it was on the far side of the
pasture below and west of the blue house and close to the riparian
strip. It did go up in the trees a few times.

Also in the area is small flock of white-cheeked geese that contains one
minima, two taverneri, and one leucopareia (Aleutian) for those
interested Cackling Geese. I also have had a Northern Shrike in the area
recently. And if that's not enough incentive to head over toward Kitsap
County, a few Ancient Murrelets have begun to show off of Point no
Point. O.K., so its not Hoquaim but it would still be a mini-bonanza to
some.

Cheers and good birding,

Brad Waggoner
Bainbridge Island
mailto:wagtail at sounddsl.com